Daniel Murphy wants to stay with the Mets

NEW YORK – He watched from home while his organization tinkered, drawing optimism from the three significant moves Mets GM Sandy Alderson has made this off-season.

“It was fun to watch,” Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy said. “I really enjoyed it. And I think we built some momentum heading into 2014.”

But will Murphy be part of that momentum?

In his gut, Murphy said he expects to be at second base when the Mets open their 2014 season March 31 against the Washington Nationals.

“I want to be here,” Murphy said after playing Santa Claus at Tuesday afternoon’s Christmas party at Citi Field. “And I think this organization is headed in the right direction. I really want to be a part of it.”

Murphy and starting pitcher Zack Wheeler helped the Mets bring holiday cheer to a collection of schoolchildren at Tuesday’s luncheon. When they were done, they spoke in glowing terms about their team’s recent infusion of talent.

“It’s a step in the right direction for us,” Wheeler said.

“I see moves are being made,” Murphy said. “And I think our ballclub’s better today than it was at the end of the season. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

Murphy referred to the club’s recent outfield additions – Chris Young and Curtis Granderson – as critical bricklaying for a franchise with postseason dreams.

“What we thought was probably a little light in the outfield has turned into a very big strength,” Murphy said.

“There’s a unique power-speed combination that C.Y. and Curtis bring that really was only brought by David [Wright] the last couple years.”

Wheeler lauded the decision to add Bartolo Colon to the pitching staff. Colon went 18-6 with a 2.65 ERA last season.

“I think he’s definitely going to bring good stuff to the rotation this year,” Wheeler said. “He’s going to get a lot of innings for us and do well at it. It’s a big plus for us.”

Alderson is not done piecing together his roster. He said the Mets are still in discussions with two or three teams about filling a need at shortstop, but reiterated that Ruben Tejada could be starting there opening day.

The Mets also are in talks with other teams about moving one of their two first basemen: Ike Davis and Lucas Duda. The market has gotten smaller, Alderson said, both on the supply side and the demand side.

“And actually that’s probably a good thing because there’s more clarity to the options,” he said.

Alderson raved about Murphy’s improvement at second base, but was not exactly ready to pencil him in as his leadoff hitter.

“It’s tough to have a leadoff man with a .310 on-base percentage,” Alderson said. “He doesn’t walk enough. I think he knows that, so maybe that will change.”

“I definitely think there’s some room for improvement in trying to get on base,” Murphy said. “I’ve looked at it before. Even one more walk a week is another 24 over the course of a season.”

BRIEFS: As expected, the Mets are not planning to bid on Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. … Wheeler said he would like to be considered for the opening day assignment. He also wants to throw 200 innings next season. Alderson said 200 innings was not an impossible goal. … Alderson said the Mets are “fairly confident” that injured reliever Bobby Parnell (neck) will be OK. He is about to start throwing again. He may see a doctor in New York for a general “once-over,” but a more critical appointment will come in January.Email: kerwick@northjersey.com